The Chili Cookoff competition brings out a wide selection of variations on the popular food . Pictured here , one of the competitors dishes up her special blend . | Photo by Nita Johnson
several shows in 2023 . Tri-County Mystery Meets is a multi-county compilation of actors and production managers who perform dinner theaters in the Tri- County areas with the potential to take their shows across the country .
The retail and industrial venues also offered more and more to Laurel County residents with new eateries , boutiques , health and beauty spas , expansions of manufacturing companies , and new services established in the area .
With London ’ s Flowers Bakery being the largest producer of honeybuns in the nation , the annual Honey Bun Day in October brought out a large crowd to participate in the festivities that included an attempt to break the world record for the most people eating a honeybun simultaneously . The world record was previously 700 , but London and surrounding community members gathered at London ’ s Farmers Market on Oct . 7 and set a new record of 776 .
The festivities of Christmas also brought recognition to London in 2023 . London was chosen as the second best cities in Kentucky to visit during the Christmas season . From the musical and graphics displaying Christmas tree in Town Center Park and the outlined buildings offset with multi-colored lights adorning the trees in downtown London to the Lights Around London driving tour of decorated homes , the Christmas season is indeed a “ Merry and Bright ” scene each year . Coupled with the annual nighttime Christmas parade and the second annual Lights Over London drone show , London shows that it ’ s holiday spirit is in full force and draws tourists from around the region to view the holiday decor .
Events are also a large draw for the Laurel community . The ASA Archery tournament held at the fairgrounds property is the largest tourist event of the year , although thousands arrive in London in April for the Redbud Ride ( cycling ) and World Chicken Festival in September . The Town Center Summer Concert series during June through September of each year also brings in hundreds of spectators who listen to local and nationally known bands during the summer months . Red White & Boom , held the weekend before the nation ’ s Independence Day celebrations , also brings in hundreds to College Park for live music , games , contests and activities that culminate in southeast Kentucky ’ s largest fireworks displays . The London and Laurel County tourism commissions report that tourism was on the rise in 2023 - and returning and new events in 2024 are sure to enhance that